Multifaceted Approach to Understand and Prevent Falls

Falls are among the most common causes of injury in the workplace. They can lead to severe injury, even death, but-with the proper precautions-they can be prevented. Without the proper precautions, same-level falls can occur during the simple act of walking, while falls to a lower level can occur from a ladder, scaffolding, roof, or other structure above the ground.

To form a comprehensive picture of workers at greatest risk for ladder falls, NIOSH investigators analyzed three nationwide occupational injury surveillance systems. They found that ladder fall injuries were significantly higher among Hispanics, self-employed workers, and those employed by small companies. They were also higher among men, older workers, and construction workers. To help prevent ladder fall injuries, NIOSH has developed a technologically innovative Ladder Safety App. Available in English or Spanish on the NIOSH website, the app provides user-friendly guides and interactive tools to prevent major causes of falls related to extension and stepladders.

Comprehensive Intervention Leads to Decline in Slips, Trips, and Falls

In three hospitals that began a fall-prevention plan developed by NIOSH and hospital staff, injuries from falls on the same level declined by more than half. These types of falls are commonly called "slips, trips, and falls.

NIOSH investigators and hospital staff developed the prevention plan after analyzing 10 years of Workers' Compensation data to identify the most common causes of fall-related injuries. Although different jobs may require different interventions, these results show that tailoring an intervention to a specific group, such as healthcare workers, can help decrease slips, trips, and falls.